3-Day Local-Experience Itinerary: Relaxation & Sightseeing in Flores, Indonesia
Flores, Indonesia
3 days
About Flores, Indonesia
Discover the enchanting island of Flores, Indonesia, a hidden gem nestled between Sumbawa and Timor. Flores offers a unique blend of natural beauty, rich culture, and adventure. Marvel at the three-colored crater lakes of Kelimutu, explore traditional villages like Bena and Wae Rebo, or dive into the crystal-clear waters of Komodo National Park, home to the world's largest lizard - the Komodo dragon. The island's Catholic heritage is evident in its numerous churches and Easter processions. Flores also boasts pristine beaches, lush forests, and vibrant local markets. Experience the warmth of its people, savor the unique cuisine, and immerse yourself in the island's captivating charm. Flores is a paradise waiting to be explored.
3-Day Itinerary
Day 2
Komodo National Park and Pink Beach Adventure
Morning
Start your day with a visit to the Komodo National Park. Here, you can see the famous Komodo dragons in their natural habitat. Don't forget to take some photos!
Lunch
Have lunch in a local restaurant. Try some traditional Indonesian dishes like Satay or Gado-Gado.
Afternoon
After lunch, head to the Pink Beach. This beach is known for its pink sand, which is caused by red coral fragments. Enjoy swimming, snorkeling, or just relaxing on the beach.
Dinner
Enjoy a beachside dinner. Try some grilled fish or other seafood dishes.
Evening
End your day with a boat tour. Enjoy the beautiful views of the Flores Sea and the surrounding islands.
Day 3
Ruteng Market and Liang Bua Cave Exploration
Morning
Start your day with a visit to the Traditional Market in Ruteng. Here, you can buy local products and souvenirs.
Lunch
Have lunch in a local restaurant. Try some traditional Indonesian dishes like Nasi Padang or Rendang.
Afternoon
After lunch, head to the Liang Bua Cave. This archaeological site is known for the discovery of the 'Hobbit' species, Homo floresiensis.
Dinner
Have dinner in a local restaurant. Try some local dishes like Ayam Betutu or Soto Ayam.
Evening
End your day with a relaxing walk in the city. Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and the beautiful night views.
Attractions in Itinerary (6)
1Kelimutu Lake
Kelimutu Lake is a volcano, close to the small town of Moni in central Flores. It is famous for its tri-colored lakes, as well as its stunning sunrise views.
2Komodo National Park
A UNESCO World Heritage site, home to the famous Komodo dragons and a diverse marine ecosystem.
3Pink Beach
One of the seven pink beaches in the world, known for its stunning pink sand and clear waters.
4Traditional Market in Ruteng
The traditional market in Ruteng is a vibrant place where locals come to buy and sell a variety of goods, including fresh produce, textiles, and traditional crafts.
5Liang Bua Cave
Liang Bua is a limestone cave on the Indonesian island of Flores. It is known as a site of archaeological importance, as it was here that the remains of the 'Hobbit', a new species of hominid named Homo floresiensis, were discovered in 2003.
6Bena Village
A traditional village that offers a glimpse into the indigenous cultures of Flores. The village is known for its unique architecture and traditional houses.
Local Food and Drinks (12)
Se'i
Se'i is a smoked meat dish, typically pork, that is a specialty of Flores. The meat is marinated in a mixture of salt and spices before being smoked, resulting in a unique, flavorful dish.
Jagung Bose
Jagung Bose is a traditional corn soup from Flores. It's made with corn, coconut milk, and palm sugar, making it a sweet and savory dish that's popular among locals.
Rica Rica
Rica Rica is a spicy fish dish that's popular in Flores. The fish is marinated in a mixture of chili, garlic, and other spices before being grilled, giving it a spicy and flavorful taste.
Uta Tabha
Uta Tabha is a traditional vegetable dish from Flores. It's made with a variety of local vegetables, including cassava leaves, long beans, and eggplant, all cooked in a flavorful coconut milk sauce.
Sambal Dabu-Dabu
Sambal Dabu-Dabu is a traditional chili sauce from Flores. It's made with fresh chilies, tomatoes, and shallots, and is often served as a condiment with meals.
Kue Rangi
Kue Rangi is a traditional cake from Flores. It's made with coconut and rice flour, and is often served with a sweet coconut sauce.
Bajawa Coffee
Bajawa Coffee is a type of coffee that's grown in the Bajawa region of Flores. It's known for its rich flavor and strong aroma, making it a must-try for coffee lovers.
Tuak
Tuak is a traditional alcoholic beverage from Flores. It's made from the sap of the lontar palm, and has a sweet, slightly sour taste.
Kolak Pisang
Kolak Pisang is a sweet dessert from Flores. It's made with bananas and sweet potatoes cooked in coconut milk and palm sugar.
Sayur Nangka
Sayur Nangka is a traditional jackfruit curry from Flores. The jackfruit is cooked in a spicy coconut milk sauce, making it a flavorful and unique dish.
Kue Cucur
Kue Cucur is a traditional Indonesian dessert from Flores. It's a type of fried doughnut made with rice flour and palm sugar, and is often served with tea or coffee.
Es Kelapa Muda
Es Kelapa Muda is a refreshing drink made from young coconut. It's popular in Flores, especially during the hot summer months.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit Flores, Indonesia is during the dry season, which typically runs from May to September. During this period, the weather is generally sunny and dry, making it ideal for outdoor activities such as hiking, diving, and exploring the beautiful landscapes and cultural sites. However, it's worth noting that even during the dry season, occasional rain showers can occur, so it's always a good idea to pack a light rain jacket.
National holidays
Here you can find the national calendar of all public holidays for the year. These dates are subject to change as official changes are announced, so check back regularly for updates.
| Date | Day | Holiday Name |
|---|---|---|
January 1 | Mon | New Year's Day |
February 8 | Thu | Ascension of the Prophet Muhammad |
February 9 | Fri | Lunar New Year Joint Holiday |
February 10 | Sat | Lunar New Year's Day |
March 11 | Mon | Bali's Day of Silence and Hindu New Year (Nyepi) |
March 12 | Tue | Joint Holiday for Bali's Day of Silence and Hindu New Year (Nyepi) |
March 29 | Fri | Good Friday |
March 31 | Sun | Easter Sunday |
April 8 | Mon | Idul Fitri Joint Holiday |
April 9 | Tue | Idul Fitri Joint Holiday |
April 10 | Wed | Idul Fitri |
April 11 | Thu | Idul Fitri Holiday |
April 12 | Fri | Idul Fitri Joint Holiday |
April 15 | Mon | Idul Fitri Joint Holiday |
May 1 | Wed | International Labor Day |
May 9 | Thu | Ascension Day of Jesus Christ |
May 10 | Fri | Joint Holiday after Ascension Day |
May 23 | Thu | Waisak Day (Buddha's Anniversary) |
May 24 | Fri | Joint Holiday for Waisak Day |
June 1 | Sat | Pancasila Day |
June 17 | Mon | Idul Adha |
June 18 | Tue | Joint Holiday for Idul Adha |
July 7 | Sun | Muharram / Islamic New Year |
August 17 | Sat | Indonesian Independence Day |
September 15 | Sun | Maulid Nabi Muhammad (The Prophet Muhammad's Birthday) |
December 25 | Wed | Christmas Day |
December 26 | Thu | Boxing Day |
How to get around
Air Travel
Labuan Bajo in Flores is accessible by air with daily flights from major Indonesian cities like Jakarta, Bali, and Surabaya. Komodo Airport in Labuan Bajo is the main entry point for most tourists.
Car Rental
Car rentals are available in major towns like Labuan Bajo and Maumere. This gives you the flexibility to explore Flores at your own pace. Remember, in Indonesia, they drive on the left side of the road.
Bus
Buses are the most common form of public transportation in Flores. They connect major towns and cities but can be quite slow due to the hilly terrain and winding roads.
Motorbike Rental
Renting a motorbike is a popular way to get around Flores. It gives you the freedom to explore the island at your own pace. However, it's recommended for experienced riders due to the challenging road conditions.
Taxi
Taxis are available in larger towns like Labuan Bajo and Maumere. They're a convenient way to get around, especially if you're not comfortable driving on Flores' challenging roads.
Shared Taxi
Shared taxis, known as "bemos", are a common form of transportation in Flores. They're essentially minivans that operate on fixed routes, picking up and dropping off passengers along the way.
Boat
Boats are a common mode of transportation for getting to the various islands around Flores, including the famous Komodo Island. There are public ferries as well as private charter boats.
Ridesharing
Ridesharing is not widely available in Flores. However, in larger towns like Labuan Bajo, you may find some ridesharing services like Grab, but it's not as common or reliable as in larger Indonesian cities.
Guided Tours
Guided tours are a popular way to explore Flores. They often include transportation, meals, and accommodation, and can be a convenient option if you prefer not to worry about logistics.
Important information
CurrencyRp IDR
Time zoneUTC+7
Driving sideLeft
Emergency phoneAmbulance: 118; Fire: 113; Police: 110
Drinking waterOpt for bottled water
Power sockets
Voltage230 V
Things to know about Flores, Indonesia as a first time visitor
1
Flores is part of the East Nusa Tenggara province of Indonesia.
2
The official language is Indonesian, but there are several local languages spoken.
3
The local currency is the Indonesian Rupiah (IDR). It's recommended to have some cash on hand as not all places accept credit cards.
4
ATMs are available in larger towns, but can be scarce in remote areas.
5
Flores is predominantly Catholic, but there are also Muslim and animist communities.
6
The climate is tropical, with temperatures ranging from 70°F to 90°F (21°C to 32°C).
7
The rainy season is from November to April, and the dry season is from May to October.
8
It's recommended to dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites.
9
Healthcare facilities are limited, especially in rural areas. It's recommended to have travel insurance that includes medical evacuation.
10
Malaria is present in Flores. It's recommended to take precautions such as using mosquito repellent and taking antimalarial medication.
11
Tap water is not safe to drink. Always drink bottled water.
12
Flores is in the Central Indonesia Time zone, which is UTC +8.
13
Public transportation is limited. The most common ways to get around are by car, motorbike, or boat.
14
Driving is on the left side of the road.
15
The electrical outlets are type C and F, with a standard voltage of 230 V and a frequency of 50 Hz.
16
Internet access can be unreliable, especially in remote areas.
17
Flores is known for its traditional weaving. It's a great place to buy handwoven textiles.
18
Always ask for permission before taking photos of people or religious ceremonies.
19
Tipping is not customary in Flores, but it is appreciated.
20
Respect local customs and traditions. Flores is rich in culture and tradition, and it's important to be respectful of this.
Basic Indonesian to know as a first time visitor
English phrase | Native phrase | Pronunciation | When to use it |
|---|---|---|---|
Hello | Halo | Hah-lo | Greeting someone |
Goodbye | Selamat tinggal | Se-lah-mat ting-gal | Leaving someone |
Please | Tolong | Toh-long | Asking for a favor |
Thank you | Terima kasih | Te-ri-ma ka-sih | Showing gratitude |
Yes | Ya | Yah | Agreeing with someone |
No | Tidak | Tee-dak | Disagreeing with someone |
Excuse me | Permisi | Per-mee-see | Getting someone's attention |
I'm sorry | Maaf | Ma-af | Apologizing |
Do you speak English? | Apakah anda bicara bahasa Inggris? | A-pa-kah an-da bi-ca-ra ba-ha-sa Ing-gris? | Asking if someone speaks English |
I don't understand | Saya tidak mengerti | Sa-ya tee-dak men-ger-ti | When you don't understand what was said |
How much does this cost? | Berapa harga ini? | Be-ra-pa har-ga ee-nee? | Asking for the price of something |
Where is the bathroom? | Di mana kamar kecil? | Dee ma-na ka-mar ke-chil? | Looking for a bathroom |
I need a doctor | Saya butuh dokter | Sa-ya bu-tuh dok-ter | In case of a medical emergency |
Can I get the menu, please? | Bisa saya minta menu, tolong? | Bee-sa sa-ya min-ta me-nu, toh-long? | At a restaurant |
Water | Air | Ah-ir | Ordering water |
Beer | Bir | Beer | Ordering beer |
Delicious | Enak | E-nak | Complimenting food |
Help | Bantuan | Ban-tu-an | In case of emergency |
Taxi | Taksi | Tak-see | Looking for a taxi |
Hotel | Hotel | Ho-tel | Looking for a hotel |
Packing List
Clothing
Lightweight clothing
Underwear
Swimwear
Socks
Comfortable walking shoes
Flip flops
Hat or cap
Sunglasses
Light rain jacket
Toiletries
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Deodorant
Shampoo and conditioner
Body wash or soap
Razor and shaving cream
Sunscreen
Insect repellent
First aid kit
Prescription medications
Travel-size laundry detergent
Travel documents and essentials
Passport
Driver's license or ID card
Credit and debit cards
Cash and coins
Travel insurance documents
Hotel and transportation reservation confirmations
Emergency contact information
Electronics and gadgets
Smartphone
Charger and power bank
Headphones
Camera
Memory cards
Universal travel adapter
Miscellaneous items
Travel pillow
Earplugs and eye mask
Reusable water bottle
Snacks
Books or e-reader
Travel guide and map
Umbrella
Ziplock bags
Tissues or wet wipes
Weather Conditions
Flores, Indonesia, is a tropical paradise that experiences warm weather throughout the year. The average temperature ranges from 70°F to 90°F (21°C to 32°C). However, it's important to note that Flores has two distinct seasons: the dry season and the rainy season. The dry season, from May to September, is the best time to visit Flores. The weather is pleasant, with less humidity and rainfall, making it ideal for outdoor activities such as hiking, diving, and exploring the beautiful landscapes. Remember to pack lightweight, breathable clothing, a hat, and sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun. The rainy season, from November to March, sees more rainfall and higher humidity. If you're planning to visit during this time, pack a waterproof jacket and shoes, as sudden rain showers are common. Despite the rain, the beauty of Flores doesn't diminish. The landscape becomes even more lush and green, and it's a great time for bird watching. Regardless of when you visit, it's advisable to stay hydrated due to the tropical climate. Also, don't forget to pack insect repellent, as mosquitoes can be prevalent, especially during the rainy season. Lastly, always check the local weather forecast before planning your daily activities, as weather conditions can change rapidly in tropical regions like Flores.
| Month | Hi / Lo (°C) | Weather Overview |
|---|---|---|
January | 31° / 23° | January is the start of the rainy season in Flores, so expect frequent showers and high humidity. |
February | 31° / 23° | February continues the rainy season, with high humidity and lush green landscapes. |
March | 31° / 23° | March sees the end of the rainy season, with rainfall decreasing towards the end of the month. |
April | 31° / 23° | April is the start of the dry season, with less rainfall and more sunny days. |
May | 31° / 23° | May is a great time to visit Flores, with warm temperatures and low rainfall. |
June | 31° / 23° | June is a popular time for tourists, with warm, dry weather and clear skies. |
July | 31° / 23° | July is the peak of the tourist season, with hot, dry weather and plenty of sunshine. |
August | 31° / 23° | August continues the dry season, with hot temperatures and low rainfall. |
September | 31° / 23° | September is the start of the shoulder season, with slightly cooler temperatures and increasing rainfall. |
October | 31° / 23° | October sees the start of the rainy season, with increasing showers and high humidity. |
November | 31° / 23° | November is in the middle of the rainy season, with frequent showers and lush landscapes. |
December | 31° / 23° | December is a wet month in Flores, with high rainfall and high humidity. |
Did you know?
Places near by Flores, Indonesia
Komodo National Park
Home to the world's largest lizard, the Komodo Dragon, and offers excellent snorkeling and diving.
Rinca Island
Another island in Komodo National Park, known for its population of Komodo dragons.
Padar Island
Famous for its stunning panoramic views, especially at sunrise and sunset.
Sumba Island
Known for its traditional villages, unique culture, and beautiful beaches.
Kanawa Island
A small beautiful tropical island, fully surrounded by white sandy beaches and coral reefs.
Seraya Island
A peaceful island with beautiful beaches and great snorkeling spots.
Bajawa
Home to traditional villages and hot springs.
Ruteng
Known for its beautiful rice fields and traditional villages.
Ende
A city with beautiful beaches and the famous Kelimutu volcano.
Maumere
Known for its beautiful beaches and excellent diving spots.
